Methods and systems for displaying content

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are methods and systems for displaying content. In an aspect, a plurality of content items can be displayed on one user device according to user preference. An example method can comprise positioning a first set of pixels associated with a user device so that first content displayed via the first set of pixels can be viewable in a first viewing location. A second set of pixels associated with the user device can be positioned so that second content displayed via the second set of pixels can be viewable in a second viewing location. The second content can be different from the first content.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.17/486,530, filed on Sep. 27, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 14/996,888, filed on Jan. 15, 2016, and issued asU.S. Pat. No. 11,166,008, each of which are incorporated by reference intheir entireties herein.

BACKGROUND

Often, multiple viewers are in the presence of a single display device.If there is no consensus from the multiple viewers on the contentdisplayed on the single display device, then at least a portion of themultiple viewers may be dissatisfied with the content displayed on thesingle display device. These and other shortcomings are addressed in thepresent disclosure.

SUMMARY

It is to be understood that both the following general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory onlyand are not restrictive, as claimed. Disclosed are methods and systemsfor displaying content. In an aspect, a plurality of content items canbe viewed on one display device from different viewing areas orlocations. For example, a first content item can be viewed on a singledisplay device from a first viewing area, range, angle, position, orlocation, while a second content item can be viewed on the same displaydevice from a second viewing area, range, angle, position, or location.The second content item would not be viewable from the first viewingarea and the first content item would not be viewable from the secondviewing area. In another aspect, one or more sets of pixels can bepositioned to enable a three-dimensional (3D) viewing experience for acontent item.

In an aspect, an example method can comprise positioning a first set ofpixels associated with a user device so that first content displayed viathe first set of pixels can be viewable in a first viewing location. Asecond set of pixels associated with the user device can be positionedso that second content displayed via the second set of pixels isviewable in a second viewing location. The second content can bedifferent from the first content. In an aspect, the first content is notviewable in the second viewing location and the second content is notviewable in the first viewing location.

In an aspect, an example method can comprise a user device receiving afirst content item. The first content item can be displayed on a firstset of pixels associated with a user device so that the first contentitem displayed on the first set of pixels is viewable in a first viewinglocation. The user device can receive a second content item. The secondcontent item can be displayed on a second set of pixels associated withthe user device so that the second content item displayed on the secondset of pixels is viewable in a second viewing location. The firstviewing location can be different from the second viewing location.

In another aspect, a location of a user can be determined. In an aspect,a set of pixels associated with a user device can be positioned so thatan angle of the set of pixels changes relative to a front plane of theuser device. The determined location can be within the viewing area ofthe set of pixels.

Additional advantages will be set forth in part in the description whichfollows or may be learned by practice. The advantages will be realizedand attained by means of the elements and combinations particularlypointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments and together with thedescription, serve to explain the principles of the methods and systems:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary content display according to an aspectof the system;

FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary content display according to an aspectof the system;

FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary content display according to an aspectof the system;

FIG. 3A illustrates an exemplary content display according to an aspectof the system;

FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary content display according to an aspectof the system;

FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary content display according to an aspectof the system;

FIG. 4B illustrates an exemplary content display according to an aspectof the system;

FIG. 5A illustrates an exemplary content display according to an aspectof the system;

FIG. 5B illustrates an exemplary content display according to an aspectof the system;

FIG. 6 illustrates various aspects of an exemplary system in which thepresent methods and systems can operate;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for displayingcontent;

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary content display according to an aspectof the system;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating another example method for displayingcontent;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating another example method fordisplaying content;

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary content display according to an aspectof the system; and

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an example computing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the present methods and systems are disclosed and described, itis to be understood that the methods and systems are not limited tospecific methods, specific components, or to particular implementations.It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for thepurpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended tobe limiting.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms“a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” oneparticular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When sucha range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the oneparticular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, whenvalues are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent“about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms anotherembodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each ofthe ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, andindependently of the other endpoint.

“Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described eventor circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includesinstances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where itdoes not.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word“comprise” and variations of the word, such as “comprising” and“comprises,” means “including but not limited to,” and is not intendedto exclude, for example, other components, integers or steps.“Exemplary” means “an example of” and is not intended to convey anindication of a preferred or ideal embodiment. “Such as” is not used ina restrictive sense, but for explanatory purposes.

Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosedmethods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein,and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions,groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specificreference of each various individual and collective combinations andpermutation of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each isspecifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods andsystems. This applies to all aspects of this application including, butnot limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a varietyof additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each ofthese additional steps can be performed with any specific embodiment orcombination of embodiments of the disclosed methods.

The present methods and systems may be understood more readily byreference to the following detailed description of preferred embodimentsand the examples included therein and to the Figures and their previousand following description.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the methods andsystems may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, anentirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software andhardware aspects. Furthermore, the methods and systems may take the formof a computer program product on a computer-readable storage mediumhaving computer-readable program instructions (e.g., computer software)embodied in the storage medium. More particularly, the present methodsand systems may take the form of web-implemented computer software. Anysuitable computer-readable storage medium may be utilized including harddisks, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage devices.

Embodiments of the methods and systems are described below withreference to block diagrams and flowchart illustrations of methods,systems, apparatuses and computer program products. It will beunderstood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchartillustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams andflowchart illustrations, respectively, can be implemented by computerprogram instructions. These computer program instructions may be loadedonto a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such thatthe instructions which execute on the computer or other programmabledata processing apparatus create a means for implementing the functionsspecified in the flowchart block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in acomputer-readable memory that can direct a computer or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readablememory produce an article of manufacture including computer-readableinstructions for implementing the function specified in the flowchartblock or blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loadedonto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to causea series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or otherprogrammable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process suchthat the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmableapparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in theflowchart block or blocks.

Accordingly, blocks of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrationssupport combinations of means for performing the specified functions,combinations of steps for performing the specified functions and programinstruction means for performing the specified functions. It will alsobe understood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchartillustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams andflowchart illustrations, can be implemented by special purposehardware-based computer systems that perform the specified functions orsteps, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computerinstructions.

Disclosed are methods and systems for displaying content. In an aspect,a plurality of content items can be viewed on one display device at aplurality of viewing areas (e.g., locations, ranges, etc.). For example,a viewing area can comprise an angle and/or a position with respect tothe display device. An example method can comprise positioning a firstset of pixels associated with a user device so that first contentdisplayed via the first set of pixels can be viewable in a first viewingarea. A second set of pixels associated with the user device can bepositioned so that second content displayed via the second set of pixelscan be viewable in a second viewing area. In an aspect, the firstcontent is not viewable in the second area and the second content is notviewable in the first area. In an aspect, the first viewing area and thesecond viewing area can be adjusted by positioning the respective firstset of pixels and the second set of pixels. In another aspect, one ormore sets of pixels (e.g., a first set of pixels, a second set ofpixels) can be positioned to provide three dimensional viewingexperiences. The disclosed methods can be applied to display devicessuch as LCD (e.g., TFT LCD, TN LCD) display devices, LED displaydevices, projected display devices, and the like. The disclosed methodsand systems can provide personalized viewing for multiple users, privacyprotection, and three dimensional viewing experiences.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary content display. In an aspect, aplurality of (e.g., three) content items 101 a, 101 b, and 101 c can bedisplayed on a user device 102. The viewing area (e.g., range, location,etc.) of a content item is the area of positions in front of the userdevice 102 where a user can be positioned and view the content item. Theplurality of content items 101 a, 101 b, and 101 c can be viewed bydifferent viewers located in a plurality of viewing areas.

Each of the plurality of viewing areas can differ in position/anglerelative to a front plane 104 of the user device 102. As an example, theuser device 102 can comprise a television, a smartphone, a tablet, alaptop, a PDA, a computer, and the like. The user device 102 can employany display technology such as a liquid-crystal display (LCD), a LEDdisplay device, a plasma display panel (PDP), a digital light processing(DLP) projector, and/or the like. In an aspect, a content item can bestreamed or otherwise transferred to the user device 102, representingone or more of a television channel, a movie, a website, a radiostation, a pay-per-view program, an on-demand program, a web series, apodcast, a webcast, an electronic book, a website, a blog, a socialmedia site, and the like.

In an aspect, the third content item 101 c can be different from thesecond content item 101 b and the first content item 101 a. For example,as shown in FIG. 1 , the first content item 101 a can comprise a movie,the second content item 101 b can comprise the movie with a set ofsubtitles, and the third content item 101 c can comprise a movie, animage, a website, a computer game, an electronic book, and the like,that is different from the first content item 101 a and the secondcontent item 101 b. In an aspect, one or more audio tracks can beprovided. The audio can be associated with one or more of the firstcontent item 101 a, the second content item 101 b, and the third contentitem 101 c. For example, the audio provided can be associated with thefirst content item 101 a and the second content item 101 b (e.g., themovie). In an aspect, different audio tracks for different content itemscan be presented through a personal listening device and/or an audiodevice (e.g., speakers) local to each user/viewing area. For example,audio device 105 a can output audio accompanying the content item 101 a;audio device 105 b can output audio accompanying the content item 101 b;and audio device 105 c can output audio accompanying the content item101 c.

Turning briefly to FIGS. 2A and 2B, embodiments with three viewing areas(locations, ranges, etc.) and two viewing areas are illustrated,respectively. The systems and methods disclosed herein contemplate anynumber of viewing areas. FIG. 2A illustrates an embodiment with threeviewing areas, wherein the content item 101 a is angled to the left atViewing Area 1, the content item 101 b is directed forward to ViewingArea 2, and the content item 101 c is angled to the right at ViewingArea 3. FIG. 2B illustrates an embodiment with two viewing areas,wherein the content item 101 a is angled to the left at Viewing Area 1and the content item 101 b is angled to the right at Viewing Area 2.Turning back to FIG. 1 , the viewer 103 a, in Viewing Area 1 of FIG. 2A,can view the content item 101 a, the viewer 103 b, in Viewing Area 2 ofFIG. 2A, can view the content item 101 b, and the viewer 103 c, inViewing Area 3 of FIG. 2A, can view the content item 101 c.

In an aspect, a viewing area can be defined by the maximum and minimumangles with respect to the user device 102 at which particular contentcan be viewed at a particular distance from the user device 102. As anexample, a viewing area can comprise a viewing cone defined by amultitude of positions from which the content item associated with theviewing area can be viewed. In an aspect, the smaller the pixels, themore viewing areas are possible. The display device 102 can have acertain number of inputs (e.g., 3) and each of the certain number ofinputs can be viewed via a respective viewing area. For example, a settop box connected to a display device via HDMI or other high speed datatransfer medium that carries multiple transport streams can select aplurality of streams for simultaneous display, using the methods anddevices described herein. In an aspect, at least a portion of the firstviewing area associated with the first content item 101 a and at least aportion of the second viewing area associated with the second contentitem 101 b can be exclusive of each other. As such, only the firstcontent item 101 a can be viewed in the portion of the first viewingarea and only the second content item 101 b can be viewed in the portionof the second viewing area exclusive of each other. The first viewingarea associated with the first content item 101 a and the second viewingarea associated with the second content item 101 b can be of similarsizes or of different sizes. In an aspect, a barrier area can be theseparation between viewing areas based on the viewing angles of thepixel sets. For example, the area in between the viewing cone for thefirst content item 101 a and the viewing cone for the second contentitem 101 b can be a barrier area. Similarly, the area in between theviewing cone for the second content item 101 b and the viewing cone forcontent item 101 c can be another barrier area. A barrier area can be aarea at which neither content item with a viewing area adjacent to thebarrier area can be viewed. The barrier area can be a space betweendifferent viewing areas (e.g., a first viewing area associated with thefirst content item 101 a and a second viewing area associated with thefirst content item 101 b). Size of pixels and/or distance betweenviewers and the display device can affect size of the barrier area. Forexample, the further away a viewer is from a display device, the largerthe barrier area.

The viewing area can be determined by a point, such as a focal point orarea of points, such as an area where one or more viewers are or areexpected to be. In an aspect, one or more users, such as viewer 103 a,can relay a location for a viewing area, such as Viewing Area 1 forcontent item 101 a. Although Viewing Area 1, Viewing Area 2, and ViewingArea 3 in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are shown as having a smaller area thanthe display for simplicity, the actual viewing areas can be smaller, thesame size, or larger than the display. In an aspect, relaying thelocation of a user can comprise tracking the location of the user via amotion sensor. In another aspect, relaying the location of a user cancomprise performing facial recognition. For example, a face of theviewer 103 a can be recognized and tracked as a reference for theviewing area of the content item 101 a. For example, any type of motionsensor can be used to track the location of the user in terms ofdistance and/or angle with respect to the user device. As an example, amotion sensor can be installed in a user's headset or a remote controlassociated with the user. In an aspect, a viewer (e.g., the viewer 103a) can manually adjust the viewing area for a content item. For example,a viewer can adjust the viewing area for the content item through trialand error (e.g., cause a viewing area to adjust until the viewer can seethe content item). After the location of a viewer (e.g., the viewer 103a) is relayed, the positions (e.g., mechanical angles) of a respectiveset of pixels can be adjusted accordingly. In the scenario of an LCDdisplay, the pixels comprising a set of pixels associated with a contentitem can be rotated in unison with the use of a motor or a plurality ofmotors. Motors can be any size. For example, a screen at a stadium canuse the methods and systems described herein to present differentcontent to stadium goers in different sections. In an aspect, thesystems and methods described for angling pixels can be accomplished byangling a light. For example, in the case of a scenario where abacklight projects outward, the light source producing the backlight canbe rotated. In an aspect, the systems and methods described of anglingpixels can be accomplished by angling a display. As such, when a viewer(e.g., the viewer 103 a) views the display of the user device 102 fromdifferent angles, the light intensities and/or color emitted from thefirst set of pixels can be different from that of the second set ofpixels and from that of the third set of pixels. As such, the firstcontent, the second content and the third content can be presented toviewers (e.g., the viewer 103 a, the viewer 103 b, etc.) at respectiveviewing areas. In an aspect, the first content item 101 a and secondcontent item 101 b are not viewable in the third viewing area and thethird content item 101 c is not viewable in the first or second viewingareas.

In an aspect, the user device 102 can comprise a plurality of pixelcolumns. Although pixel columns are illustrated in the figures pixelrows could also be used. Every n^(th) column or row of pixels cancorrespond to a content item. In an aspect, the user device 102 canreceive n content items. For instance, as shown in FIG. 3A, the userdevice 102 can display three content items, with the 1^(st), 4^(th),7^(th), etc. columns or rows corresponding to the third content item 101c; the 2^(nd), 5^(th), 8^(th), etc. columns or rows corresponding to thesecond content item 101 b; and the 3^(rd), 6^(th), 9^(th), etc. columnsor rows corresponding to the first content item 101 a. In an aspect, asshown in FIG. 3B, the user device can display two content items, withthe 1^(st) 3^(rd), 5^(th), etc. columns or rows corresponding to thesecond content item 101 b; and the 2^(nd) 4^(th), 6^(th), etc. columnsor rows corresponding to the first content item 101 a. In an aspect,each of the pixel columns or rows corresponding to a content item candisplay a vertical or horizontal sliver of the content item. In anaspect, when a viewer views the plurality of pixel columns or rowscorresponding to the content item from a correct angle, the plurality ofvertical or horizontal slivers can form the entire content item. Anynumber of pixel columns or rows is contemplated. Any number of contentitems is contemplated. In an aspect, the plurality of pixel columns orrows can be connected to each other by hinges.

Turning briefly to FIGS. 4A and 4B, an embodiment of a screen of theuser device 102 is illustrated. FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrates an angledembodiment of the pixel columns of FIGS. 3A and 3B, respectively. Asmentioned above, although the figures show pixel columns, pixel rows arealso contemplated. In an aspect, the angled pixels can be behind ascreen, wherein the screen remains constant as the pixels are angled. Inan aspect, angling the pixels can comprise angling a screen and/orportions thereof. Such angling of the pixel columns or rows can be fixed(e.g., permanent) or adjustable. Turning back to FIG. 1 , the pixelcolumns or rows corresponding to the content item 101 a can be angledsuch that the viewing area of the content item 101 a comprises aposition left of center of the user device 102 and comprises theposition of viewer 103 a. For example, the pixel columns or rowscorresponding to the content item 101 b can be angled such that theviewing area of the content item 101 b comprises a position in thecenter of the user device 102 and comprises the position of viewer 103b. For example, the pixel columns or rows corresponding to the contentitem 101 c can be angled such that the viewing area of the content item101 c comprises a position right of center of the user device 102 andcomprises the position of viewer 103 c. In an aspect, each of the pixelcolumns or rows corresponding to a content item can display a verticalor horizontal sliver of the content item. In an aspect, when a viewerviews the plurality of pixel columns or rows corresponding to thecontent item from a correct angle, the plurality of vertical orhorizontal slivers can form the entire content item. Any number of pixelcolumns or rows is contemplated. Any number of content items iscontemplated. In an aspect, the plurality of pixel columns or rows canbe connected to each other by hinges. For example, each of the pluralityof pixel columns or rows can be on a substrate and the substrates can beconnected by mechanical hinges.

Turning to FIG. 5A, a top down perspective of exemplary re-angling ofadjustable pixel columns is illustrated. As mentioned above, althoughthe figures show pixel columns, pixel rows are also contemplated. In anaspect, pixel columns or rows 501 a and 511 a can display the contentitem 101 a; pixel columns or rows 501 b and 511 b can display thecontent item 101 b; and pixel columns or rows 501 c and 511 c candisplay the content item 101 c. Such adjustments can be made manually orautomatically through the use of one or more motors and the like. Forexample, a viewer can adjust the viewing area for the content itemthrough trial and error (e.g., cause a viewing area to adjust until theviewer can see the content item). A first plurality of angles 504 a and508 a of pixel columns or rows 501 a, 511 a relative to pixel columns orrows 501 b, 511 b can be a single angle or a plurality of angles at afirst time. For example, the first plurality of angles 504 a and 508 acan be the same at the first time. For example, the first plurality ofangles 504 a and 508 a can be different at the first time. The firstplurality of angles 504 b and 508 b of pixel columns or rows 501 a, 511a relative to pixel columns or rows 501 b, 511 b can be a single angleor a plurality of angles at a second time. For example, the firstplurality of angles 504 b and 508 b can be the same at the second time.For example, the first plurality of angles 504 b and 508 b can bedifferent at the second time. In an aspect, each of the anglesassociated with a particular content item (e.g., angles 504 and 508 areassociated with the content item 101 a) can change identically to eachother. For example, if the difference between 504 a and 504 b is 4degrees, then, in an aspect, the difference between 508 a and 508 b willalso be 4 degrees. In such an embodiment, one or more motors can controlthe movement of all pixel columns or rows (e.g., 501 b, 511 b, etc.)displaying the content item 101 a. In another embodiment, each of theangles associated with a particular content item (e.g., angles 504 and508 are associated with the content item 101 a) can change independentlyof each other. For example, if the difference between 504 a and 504 b is4 degrees, then, in an aspect, the difference between 508 a and 508 bdoes not have to be 4 degrees. In such an embodiment, each of the pixelcolumns or rows 501 a, 511 a displaying the content item 101 a can havea motor. A second plurality of angles 502 a and 506 a of pixel columnsor rows 501 c, 511 c relative to pixel columns or rows 501 b, 511 b canbe a single angle or a plurality of angles at the first time. Forexample, angles 502 a and 506 a can be the same at the first time. Inanother example, angles 502 a and 506 a can be different at the firsttime. The second plurality of angles 502 a and 506 a of pixel columns orrows 501 c, 511 c relative to pixel columns or rows 501 b, 511 b can bea single angle or a plurality of angles at a second time. For example,the first plurality of angles 502 b and 506 b can be the same at thesecond time. In another example, the first plurality of angles 502 b and506 b can be different at the second time. In an aspect, each of theangles associated with a particular content item (e.g., angles 502 and506 are associated with the content item 101 c) can change identicallyto each other. For example, if the difference between 502 a and 502 b is4 degrees, then, in an aspect, the difference between 506 a and 506 bwill also be 4 degrees. In such an embodiment, one or more motors cancontrol the movement of all pixel columns or rows (e.g., 501 c, 511 c,etc.) displaying the content item 101 c. In another embodiment, each ofthe angles associated with a particular content item (e.g., angles 502and 506 are associated with the content item 101 c) can changeindependently of each other. For example, if the difference between 502a and 502 b is 4 degrees, then, in an aspect, the difference between 506a and 506 b does not have to be 4 degrees. In such an embodiment, eachof the pixel columns or rows 501 c, 511 c displaying the content item101 c can have a motor.

Turning to FIG. 5B, a top down perspective of exemplary re-angling ofadjustable pixel columns is illustrated. As mentioned above, althoughthe figures show pixel columns, pixel rows are also contemplated. In anaspect, pixel columns or rows 501 a and 511 a can display the contentitem 101 a; and pixel columns or rows 501 b and 511 b can display thecontent item 101 b. Such adjustments can be made manually orautomatically through the use of one or more motors and the like. Forexample, a viewer can adjust the viewing area for the content itemthrough trial and error (e.g., cause a viewing area to adjust until theviewer can see the content item). A first plurality of angles 510 a and512 a of pixel columns or rows 501 a, 511 a relative to pixel columns orrows 501 b, 511 b can be a single angle or a plurality of angles at afirst time. For example, the first plurality of angles 510 a and 512 acan be the same at the first time. In another example, the firstplurality of angles 510 a and 512 a can be different at the first time.The first plurality of angles 510 b and 512 b of pixel columns or rows501 a, 511 a relative to pixel columns or rows 501 b, 511 b can be asingle angle or a plurality of angles at a second time. For example, thefirst plurality of angles 510 b and 512 b can be the same at the secondtime. In another example, the first plurality of angles 510 b and 512 bcan be different at the second time. In an aspect, each of the anglesassociated with a particular content item (e.g., angles 510 and 512 areassociated with the content item 101 a) can change identically to eachother. For example, if the difference between 510 a and 510 b is 4degrees, then, in an aspect, the difference between 512 a and 512 b willalso be 4 degrees. In such an embodiment, one motor can control themovement of all pixel columns or rows (e.g. 501 a, 511 a, etc.)displaying the content item 101 a. In another embodiment, each of theangles associated with a particular content item (e.g., angles 510 and512 are associated with the content item 101 a) can change independentlyof each other. In such an embodiment, each of the pixel columns or rows501 a, 511 a displaying the content item 101 a could have a motor.

In an aspect, a particular content item can be displayed by a set ofpixels. The set of pixels can be a number of pixel columns and/or rowsassociated with the particular content item. As pixels become smaller insize, a greater number of pixels and a higher density of pixels can beimplemented in the user device 102. Although FIGS. 1-5B show the userdevice 102 displaying two to three content items 101 a, 101 b, 101 c,the actual number of content items displayed on a user device 102 is notso limited and can be any number allowable by the arrangement of pixels.In a further aspect, pixels can move independently of a pixel column orrow, as will be explained in reference to FIG. 8 below.

FIG. 6 illustrates various aspects of an exemplary environment in whichthe present methods and systems can operate. The present disclosure isrelevant to systems and methods for providing services to a device, forexample, a user device such as a computer, tablet, mobile device,communications terminal, or the like. In an aspect, one or more networkdevices can be configured to provide various services to one or moredevices, such as devices located at or near a premises. Those skilled inthe art will appreciate that present methods may be used in varioustypes of networks and systems that employ both digital and analogequipment. One skilled in the art will appreciate that disclosed hereinis a functional description and that the respective functions can beperformed by software, hardware, or a combination of software andhardware.

The network and system can comprise a user device 602 in communicationwith a computing device 604 such as a server, for example. The computingdevice 604 can be disposed locally or remotely relative to the userdevice 602. As an example, the user device 602 and the computing device604 can be in communication via a private and/or public network 605 suchas the Internet or a local area network. Other forms of communicationscan be used such as wired and wireless telecommunication channels, forexample.

In an aspect, the user device 602 can be an electronic device such as acomputer, a smartphone, a laptop, a tablet, a display device, such as aliquid-crystal display (LCD), a LED display device, a plasma displaypanel (PDP), a digital light processing (DLP) projector, or other devicecapable of communicating with the computing device 604. As an example,the user device 602 can comprise a communication element 606 forproviding an interface to a user to interact with the user device 602and/or the computing device 604. The communication element 606 can beany interface for presenting and/or receiving information to/from theuser, such as user feedback. An example interface may be communicationinterface such as a web browser (e.g., Internet Explorer, MozillaFirefox, Google Chrome, Safari, or the like). Other software, hardware,and/or interfaces can be used to provide communication between the userand one or more of the user device 602 and the computing device 604. Asan example, the communication element 606 can request or query variousfiles from a local source and/or a remote source. As a further example,the communication element 606 can transmit data (e.g., requestedcontent) to a local or remote device such as the computing device 604.As an example, the communication element 606 can be used to request oneor more content item from the computing device 604. As another example,the communication element 606 can be used to receive a command from auser. For example, the command can comprise selecting particularcontent, adjusting one or more viewing areas, and/or viewing particularcontent from a specified viewing area.

In an aspect, the user device 602 can be associated with a useridentifier or device identifier 608. As an example, the deviceidentifier 608 can be any identifier, token, character, string, or thelike, for differentiating one user or user device (e.g., user device602) from another user or user device. In a further aspect, the deviceidentifier 608 can identify a user or user device as belonging to aparticular class of users or user devices. As a further example, thedevice identifier 608 can comprise information relating to the userdevice such as a manufacturer, a model or type of device, a serviceprovider associated with the user device 602, a state of the user device602, a locator, and/or a label or classifier. Other information can berepresented by the device identifier 608. In an aspect, deviceidentifier 608 can be transmitted when a request for a content item istransmitted from the user device 602 to the computing device 604. Inanother aspect, the computing device 604 can provide one or more contentitems to the user device 602 according to the device identifier 608 ofthe user device 602.

In an aspect, the device identifier 608 can comprise an address element610 and a service element 612. In an aspect, the address element 610 cancomprise or provide an internet protocol address, a network address, amedia access control (MAC) address, an Internet address, or the like. Asan example, the address element 610 can be relied upon to establish acommunication session between the user device 602 and the computingdevice 604 or other devices and/or networks. As a further example, theaddress element 610 can be used as an identifier or locator of the userdevice 602. In an aspect, the address element 610 can be persistent fora particular network. In an aspect, address element 610 can betransmitted when a request for a content item is transmitted from theuser device 602 to the computing device 604. In another aspect, thecomputing device 604 can provide one or more content items to the userdevice according to the address element 610) of the user device 602.

In an aspect, the service element 612 can comprise an identification ofa service provider associated with the user device 602 and/or with theclass of user device 602. The class of the user device 602 can berelated to a type of device, capability of device, type of service beingprovided, and/or a level of service (e.g., business class, service tier,service package, customer status, etc.). As an example, the serviceelement 612 can comprise information relating to or provided by acommunication service provider (e.g., Internet service provider) that isproviding or enabling data flow to the user device 602. As a furtherexample, the service element 612 can comprise information relating to apreferred service provider for one or more particular services relatingto the user device 602. As an example, the service element 612 cancomprise preferred sporting event, preferred news channel, preferredmusic channel, and/or the like. In an aspect, the address element 610can be used to identify or retrieve data from the service element 612,or vice versa. As a further example, one or more of the address element610 and the service element 612 can be stored remotely from the userdevice 602 and retrieved by one or more devices such as the user device602 and the computing device 604. Other information can be representedby the service element 612. For example, service element 612 can beassociated with user profiles, user preferences, user viewing histories,and the like.

In an aspect, the user device 602 can be associated with a pixelpositioning element 616. In an aspect, the pixel positioning element 616can retrieve a corresponding pixel position matrix 618 associated with aspecific viewing area. For example, the corresponding pixel positionmatrix 618 can be retrieved from the computing device 604 via thenetwork 605. In another aspect, the pixel positioning element 616 canposition a set of a particular set of pixels according to the retrievedpixel position matrix 618. The pixel position matrix 618 can compriseinformation that describes one or more angles at which one or morepixels/pixel columns/pixel rows should be positioned.

In an aspect, the computing device 604 can be a server for communicatingwith the user device 602. As an example, the computing device 604 cancommunicate with the user device 602 for providing data and/or services.As an example, the computing device 604 can provide services such asnetwork (e.g., Internet) connectivity, network printing, mediamanagement (e.g., media server), content services, streaming services,broadband services, or other network-related services. In an aspect, thecomputing device 604 can allow the user device 602 to interact withremote resources such as data, devices, and files. As an example, thecomputing device 604 can be configured as (or disposed at) a centrallocation (e.g., a headend, or processing facility), which can receivecontent (e.g., data, input programming) from multiple sources. As anexample, the computing device 604 can comprise cable content providers,electronic book providers, internet service providers, digital videodisk (DVD) players, camcorders, satellite receivers, cameras, digitalvideo recorders (DVRs) and/or the like. In an aspect, the computingdevice 604 can combine the content from the multiple sources and candistribute the content to one or more user devices via a distributionsystem.

In an aspect, a database 614 can be integrated with the user device 602,the computing device 604, or some other device or system. As an example,the database 614 can store a plurality of files (e.g., web pages), useridentifiers or records, or other information. As an example, thedatabase 614 can store user profiles, user preferences, user viewinghistories, and the like. As another example, one or more pixel positionmatrixes 618 and associated viewing areas can be stored in the database614 as preset matrixes for the user device 602. In an aspect, the userdevice 602 can retrieve stored pixel position matrixes 618 in order torestore a previously arranged state of the pixels controlled by thepixel positioning element 606. In an aspect, the user device 602 canrequest and/or retrieve a file from the database 614. In an aspect, thedatabase 614 can store information relating to the user device 602 suchas the address element 610 and/or the service element 612. As anexample, the computing device 604 can obtain the device identifier 608from the user device 602 and retrieve information from the database 614such as the address element 610 and/or the service elements 612. As afurther example, the computing device 604 can obtain the address element610 from the user device 602 and can retrieve the service element 612from the database 614, or vice versa. Any information can be stored inand retrieved from the database 614. The database 614 can be disposedremotely from the user device 602 and/or the computing device 604 andaccessed via direct or indirect connection.

In an aspect, the user device 602 can be associated with a plurality ofcomputing devices 604. In an aspect, the user device 602 can accessmultiple tuners and/or devices (e.g., computing device 604) to receivethe plurality of content items (e.g., channels, television programs,movies, etc.). As an example, the plurality of content items can bereceived from cable content providers, digital video disk (DVD) players,camcorders, satellite receivers, cameras, digital video recorders(DVRs), and/or the like. For example, the user device 602 can receivefirst content from a first computing device, and receive second contentfrom a second computing device. The first content can be displayed viapositioning a first set of pixels associated with a user device 602 sothat the first content displayed on the first set of pixels can beviewable in a first viewing area. The second content can be displayedvia positioning a second set of pixels associated with the user device602 so that the second content displayed on the second set of pixels canbe viewable in a second viewing area. In an aspect, the first set ofpixels and the second set of pixels can be positioned so that the firstcontent is not viewable in at least a portion of the second area and thesecond content is not viewable in at least a portion of the first area.In an aspect, the first content can be different from the secondcontent.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example method 700 for displayingcontent. At step 702, a first set of pixels associated with a userdevice can be positioned so that first content displayed via the firstset of pixels is viewable in a first viewing location (e.g., area). Inan aspect, the first set of pixels is viewable utilizing the fullviewable area of the user device. As an example, the user device cancomprise a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, a PDA, a computer, aliquid-crystal displays (LCD), a LED display device, a plasma displaypanel (PDP), a digital light processing (DLP) projector, and/or thelike. In an aspect, the first content can comprise a media streamrepresenting one or more of a television channel, a movie, a website, anadvertisement, a radio station, a pay-per-view program, an on-demandprogram, a web series, a podcast, and a webcast. In another aspect, thefirst content can comprise an electronic book, a website, a blog, and asocial media site, and the like. In an aspect, audio can be associatedwith the first content. In an aspect, a viewing location can be definedby the maximum and minimum angles with respect to the user device atwhich particular content can be viewed at a particular distance from theuser device.

In an aspect, positioning the first set of pixels can comprise anglingthe first set of pixels so that the viewing location of the first set ofpixels comprises the location of a viewer. In an aspect, the display ofa user device can comprise a plurality of sets of pixels, wherein eachset of pixels comprises a distinct content item. In an aspect,positioning the first set of pixels can comprise configuring amechanical angle of one or more pixels of the first set of pixels. In anaspect, positions (e.g., mechanical angles) of the first set of pixelscan be adjusted by a plurality of motors (e.g., nanomotors).

An example hardware embodiment for positioning pixels is illustrated inFIG. 8 . A plurality of pixels 802 and a plurality of motors 804 areillustrated, wherein each of the plurality of pixels is in communicationwith its own motor 804. Alternatively, each motor 804 can control aplurality of pixels, e.g., a plurality of pixels in a column or row. Inan aspect, the plurality of motors 804 can allow the plurality of pixels802 to have a wide range of motion. For instance, although FIGS. 1-5describe viewing areas in terms of being left of center, center, orright of center, any spatial area can be used. For example, a first setof pixels 802 can be angled upwards to accommodate someone in the topbunk of a bunk bed and a second set of pixels 802 can be angleddownwards to accommodate someone in the bottom bunk of a bunk bed. Inanother example, a first set of pixels 802 can be angled upwards toaccommodate someone in the top bunk of a bunk bed, a second set ofpixels 802 can be angled downwards and to the left to accommodatesomeone watching from a chair that is left of center, and a third set ofpixels 802 can be angled downwards and to the right to accommodatesomeone watching from a chair that is right of center.

In an aspect, positions (e.g., mechanical angles) of the first set ofpixels can be adjusted by a plurality of motors (e.g., nanomotors). Inan aspect, size of motors can depend on size of pixels. Bigger pixelscan use bigger scale motors and smaller pixels can use smaller scalemotors. A motor can control (e.g., adjust) an individual pixel or agroup of pixels. For example, a plurality of motors can be implementedbehind a plurality of pixels. In an aspect, one of the plurality ofmotors can be implemented behind each of the plurality of pixels orotherwise a number of the plurality of pixels. For example, motorsbehind even columns or rows of pixels (e.g., a first set of pixels) canbe adjusted to direct light toward a viewer of the left side of adisplay device. Motors behind odd columns or rows of pixels (e.g., asecond set of pixels) can be adjusted to direct light toward the rightside of the display device. As such, even columns or rows of pixels(e.g. a first set of pixels) can represent a first viewing location andodd columns or rows of pixels (e.g., a second set of pixels) canrepresent a second viewing location. A viewer on a viewing location(e.g., left side of a display device, right side of a display device)can only see light waves pointed in his direction. Light waves from evencolumns or rows of pixels and light waves from odd columns or rows ofpixels can be independently controlled. Therefore, even columns or rowsof pixels and odd columns or rows of pixels can operate as respectivestand-alone display devices.

Turning back to FIG. 7 , at step 704, a second set of pixels associatedwith the user device can be positioned so that second content displayedvia the second set of pixels can be viewable in a second viewinglocation. Any of the techniques described above can be used to determinethe second viewing location. In an aspect, positioning the second set ofpixels can comprise configuring a mechanical angle of one or more pixelsof the second set of pixels. In an aspect, positions (e.g., mechanicalangles) of the second set of pixels can be adjusted by a plurality ofmotors (e.g., nanomotors). In an aspect, facial recognition can be usedto distinguish between users and one or more viewing locations adjustedbased on determined users/user positions. For example, a camera incommunication with facial recognition software can be used todistinguish users. In another aspect, a camera in communication withfeature recognition software can be used to distinguish where users arelocated and create one or more viewing locations such that the one ormore viewing locations each include the corresponding users' eyes and/orheads. In yet another aspect, a user device, such as a remote control, asmart phone, and/or a tablet, can be used as an indication of a user'slocation. For example, using Bluetooth, GPS, radio frequency, and/orinfrared technologies, the location of one or more user devices can bedetermined and/or approximated. In a further example, separate viewinglocations can be associated with one or more user devices. In an aspect,the second set of pixels is viewable utilizing the full viewable area ofthe user device while the first set of pixels is also viewable utilizingthe full viewable area of the user device, albeit from different viewingangles. In an aspect, the second content can comprise a media streamrepresenting one or more of a television channel, a movie, a website, aradio station, an advertisement, a pay-per-view program, an on-demandprogram, a web series, a podcast, and a webcast. In another aspect, thesecond content can comprise an electronic book, a website, a blog, and asocial media site, and the like. In an aspect, the second content can bedifferent from the first content. For example, the first content cancomprise a program (e.g., a movie) and the second content can comprisethe program (e.g., the movie) with a set of subtitles. As anotherexample, the first content can be displayed in a higher resolution(e.g., 4K), and the second content can be displayed in a lowerresolution (e.g., 2K). As another example, the first content can bedisplayed in color, and the second content can be displayed in black andwhite. In an aspect, the first content is not viewable in the secondviewing location and the second content is not viewable in the firstviewing location. In an aspect, at least a portion of the first viewinglocation and at least a portion of the second viewing location can beexclusive of each other.

In an aspect, audio can be associated with the second content. The audioassociated with the first content can be related to audio associatedwith the second content. As an example, the first content can be amovie, and the second content can be the movie with a set of subtitles.Both the first content and the second content can be associated with thesame audio. In another aspect, at least one of the first content and thesecond content has no associated audio. For example, the first contentcan be a movie with associated audio, and the second content cancomprise an electronic book without associated audio.

In an aspect, a third set of pixels associated with the user device canbe positioned so that third content displayed on the third set of pixelscan be viewable in a third viewing location. In an aspect, the thirdcontent can be different from the second content and from the firstcontent. For example, the first content can comprise a program (e.g., amovie), the second content can comprise the program (e.g., the movie)with a set of subtitles, and the third content can comprise an image, awebsite, a computer game, an electronic book, and the like, that isdifferent from the first content and the second content. In an aspect,the first and second content are not viewable in the third viewinglocation and the third content is not viewable in the first or secondviewing locations. In an aspect, the first content, the second content,and the third content can each have associated audio that is provided toan output device associated with the viewable location associated witheither the first content, the second content, or the third content.

In an aspect, positioning the third set of pixels can comprise adjustingmechanical angles of one or more pixels of the third set of pixels withrespect to the user device. In an aspect, positions (e.g., mechanicalangles) of the third set of pixels can be adjusted by a plurality ofmotors (e.g., nanomotors). In an aspect, each column or row of a set ofpixels can be positioned at a same angle relative to a front of the userdevice 102. In an aspect, at least one column or row of a set of pixelscan be at a different angle relative to a front of the user device 102than at least one other column or row of the set of pixels.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating another example method 900 fordisplaying content. At step 902, a first content item can be received.As an example, the first content item can be received from one or moreof, cable content providers, internet service providers, electronicbooks providers, digital video disk (DVD) players, camcorders, satellitereceivers, cameras, digital video recorders (DVRs), and/or the like. Thefirst content item can be displayed on a first set of pixels associatedwith a user device so that the first content item displayed on the firstset of pixels can be viewable in a first viewing location. As anexample, the user device can comprise a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop,a PDA, a computer, a liquid-crystal displays (LCD), a light-emittingdiode (LED) display device, a plasma display panels (PDP), a digitallight processing (DLP) projector, and/or the like. In an aspect, thefirst content item can comprise a media stream representing one or moreof a television channel, a movie, a website, a radio station, apay-per-view program, an on-demand program, a web series, a podcast, anda webcast. In another aspect, the first content item can comprise one ormore of an electronic book, a website, a blog, and a social media site,and the like. In an aspect, audio can be associated with the firstcontent item. In an aspect, a viewing location can be defined by themaximum and minimum angles with respect to the user device at whichparticular content item can be viewed at a particular distance from theuser device.

At step 904, a second content item can be received. As an example, thesecond content item can be received from cable content providers,digital video disk (DVD) players, camcorders, satellite receivers,cameras, digital video recorders (DVRs), and/or the like. The secondcontent item can be displayed on a second set of pixels associated withthe user device so that the second content item displayed on the secondset of pixels is viewable in a second viewing location. In an aspect,the first content item can be different from the second content item.For example, the first content item can comprise a program (e.g., amovie) and the second content item can comprise the program (e.g., themovie) with a set of subtitles. As another example, the first contentitem can be displayed in a higher resolution (e.g., 4K), and the secondcontent item can be displayed in a lower resolution (e.g., 2K). Asanother example, the first content item can be displayed in color, andthe second content item can be displayed in black and white. In anaspect, the first viewing location can be different from the secondviewing location.

In an aspect, a third content item can be received. As an example, thethird content item can be received from cable content providers, digitalvideo disk (DVD) players, camcorders, satellite receivers, cameras,digital video recorders (DVRs), and/or the like. The third content itemcan be displayed on a third set of pixels associated with the userdevice so that the third content item displayed on the third set ofpixels is viewable in a third viewing location. In an aspect, the thirdcontent item can be different from the second content item and from thefirst content item. For example, the first content item can comprise aprogram (e.g., a movie), the second content item can comprise theprogram (e.g., the movie) with a set of subtitles, and the third contentitem can comprise a website, a computer game, an electronic book, thatis different from the first content item and the second content item. Inan aspect, the first content item is not viewable in the second or thirdviewing locations, the second content item is not viewable in the firstor third viewing locations, and the third content item is not viewablein the first or second viewing locations. In an aspect, at least aportion of each of the first viewing location, the second viewinglocation, and the third viewing location can be exclusive of each other.As such, only one content item can be viewed in at least a portion ofeach of the first viewing location, the second viewing location, and thethird viewing location, exclusive of each other.

In an aspect, the audio associated with the first content item can berelated to the audio associated with the second content item and/or thethird content item. For example, the first content item can comprise atelevision program, the second content item can comprise the televisionprogram with a first set of subtitles (e.g., subtitles in English), andthe third content item can comprise the television program with a secondset of subtitles (e.g., subtitles in Spanish). The first content item,the second content item and the third content item can share the sameaudio. In an aspect, the first content item, the second content item,and the third content item can each have associated audio that isprovided to an output device associated with the viewable locationassociated with the first content item, the second content item, or thethird content item.

In an aspect, the first set of pixels can comprise a first set ofcolumns or rows of pixels. In an aspect, the second set of pixels cancomprise a second set of columns or rows of pixels. In an aspect,columns or rows of pixels of the user device 102 can alternate between acolumn or row from the first set of columns of pixels and a column orrow from the second set of columns of pixels. In an aspect, each columnor row of a set of pixels can be positioned at a same angle relative toa front of the user device 102. In an aspect, at least one column or rowof a set of pixels can be at a different angle relative to a front ofthe user device 102 than at least one other column or row of the set ofpixels.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating another example method 1000 fordisplaying content. At step 1002, a location of a user can bedetermined. In an aspect, determining the location of a user cancomprise tracking the location of the user via a motion sensor. Inanother aspect, determining the location of the user can compriseperforming facial recognition. For example, a face of the user can berecognized (e.g., via a camera or other sensor) and tracked as areference for a viewing area. For example, any type of motion sensor canbe used to track the location of the user in terms of distance and/orangle with respect to the user device. As an example, a motion sensorcan be installed in a user's headset or a remote control associated withthe user. In an aspect, determining the location of a user can comprisecontinually determining the user location, or tracking the userlocation. User location tracking can utilize, for example, an ultrasound motion sensor, an electronic motion senor, an infrared motionsensor, and the like, can be used to track the location of the user interms of distance and angle with respect to the user device.

In an aspect, determining the location of the user can further comprisedetermining a left side of the user and determining a right side of theuser. In an aspect, facial recognition can be used to determine afeature of the user that would indicate a middle of the user (e.g., anose). In a further aspect, the area of the user from the middle to theright can be determined to be the right side of the user. In a furtheraspect, the area of the user from the middle to the left can bedetermined to be the left side of the user. In another aspect, facialrecognition can be used to determine a set of features of the user usedto view the content (e.g., a pair of eyes, a pair of glasses, etc.) In afurther aspect, the facial recognition can determine a right side of theset of features used to view the content. In a further aspect, thefacial recognition can determine a left side of the set of features usedto view the content.

At step 1004, a set of pixels associated with a user device can bepositioned so that an angle of the set of pixels changes relative to afront plane of the user device. In an aspect, the determined locationcan be within a viewing area of the set of pixels. In an aspect, theviewing area of the set of pixels can comprise the determined locationof the user. In an aspect, mechanical angles of the set of pixels can beadjusted. For example, the mechanical angles of set of pixels can beadjusted via a set of motors associated with the set of pixels. In anaspect, motors can be actuated by micro-electromechanical forcegenerated by a local magnetic or electrical field.

Positioning the set of pixels associated with the user device canfurther comprise positioning a first portion of the set of pixels todirect light to the left side of the user. Positioning the set of pixelsassociated with the user device can further comprise positioning asecond portion of the set of pixels to direct light to the right side ofthe user. In an aspect, the first portion of the set of pixels can bedirected to the left eye of the user and the second portion of the setof pixels can be directed to a right eye of the user. In an aspect,light waves emitted from the set of pixels can form a three dimensionaleffect, as illustrated in FIG. 11 .

Turning to FIG. 11 , a viewer 1106 in front of a user device 1102. Afirst portion of a set of pixels 1104 a can emit light waves at a firsttarget, such as the viewer's left eye. A second portion of a set ofpixels 1104 b can emit light waves at a second target, such as theviewer's right eye. In an aspect, the focal point of the first portionof the set of pixels 1104 a can be the left eye of a viewer 1106 and thefocal point of the second portion of the set of pixels 1104 b can be theright eye of the viewer 1106. In an aspect, light waves emitted from theportions of the set of pixels can form a three dimensional effect. In afurther aspect, the content shown on the first portion of the set ofpixels 1104 a can be different images of the same content shown on thesecond portion of the set of pixels 1104 b. In an aspect, the differencein images shown on the first portion of the set of pixels 1104 a withthe images on the second portion of the set of pixels 1104 b can createa sense of depth (e.g., a stereoscopic image). In an aspect, thedifference in images shown on the first portion of the set of pixels1104 a with the images on the second portion of the set of pixels 1104 bcan accommodate a weak eye.

The viewing area can change according to the location of the user. In anaspect, when the user changes his location (for example, moves from theleft side of the user device to the right side of the user device), theposition of the set of pixels can be adjusted such that the viewing areaof the set of pixels comprises the new location of the user. As anexample, a motion sensor can be installed in a user's headset or aremote control associated with the user. Any of the methods previouslymentioned, such as motion detection and facial recognition can be usedto detect movement of the user. In an aspect, the left side of the usercan be updated as the location of the user changes. In an aspect, theright side of the user can be updated as the location of the userchanges.

In an exemplary aspect, the methods and systems can be implemented on acomputer 1201 as illustrated in FIG. 12 and described below. By way ofexample, user device 602 and computing device 604 of FIG. 6 can be acomputer as illustrated in FIG. 12 . Similarly, the methods and systemsdisclosed can utilize one or more computers to perform one or morefunctions in one or more locations. FIG. 12 is a block diagramillustrating an exemplary operating environment for performing thedisclosed methods. This exemplary operating environment is only anexample of an operating environment and is not intended to suggest anylimitation as to the scope of use or functionality of operatingenvironment architecture. Neither should the operating environment beinterpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any oneor combination of components illustrated in the exemplary operatingenvironment.

The present methods and systems can be operational with numerous othergeneral purpose or special purpose computing system environments orconfigurations. Examples of well-known computing systems, environments,and/or configurations that can be suitable for use with the systems andmethods comprise, but are not limited to, personal computers, servercomputers, laptop devices, and multiprocessor systems. Additionalexamples comprise set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics,network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computingenvironments that comprise any of the above systems or devices, and thelike.

The processing of the disclosed methods and systems can be performed bysoftware components. The disclosed systems and methods can be describedin the general context of computer-executable instructions, such asprogram modules, being executed by one or more computers or otherdevices. Generally, program modules comprise computer code, routines,programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that performparticular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Thedisclosed methods can also be practiced in grid-based and distributedcomputing environments where tasks are performed by remote processingdevices that are linked through a communications network. In adistributed computing environment, program modules can be located inboth local and remote computer storage media including memory storagedevices.

Further, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the systems andmethods disclosed herein can be implemented via a general-purposecomputing device in the form of a computer 1201. The components of thecomputer 1201 can comprise, but are not limited to, one or moreprocessors 1203, a system memory 1212, and a system bus 1213 thatcouples various system components including the processor 1203 to thesystem memory 1212. In the case of multiple processors 1203, the systemcan utilize parallel computing.

The system bus 1213 represents one or more of several possible types ofbus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, aperipheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or localbus using any of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example, sucharchitectures can comprise an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus,a Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, an Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, aVideo Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, an AcceleratedGraphics Port (AGP) bus, and a Peripheral Component Interconnects (PCI),a PCI-Express bus, a Personal Computer Memory Card Industry Association(PCMCIA), Universal Serial Bus (USB) and the like. The bus 1213, and allbuses specified in this description can also be implemented over a wiredor wireless network connection and each of the subsystems, including theprocessor 1203, a mass storage device 1204, an operating system 1205,content display software 1206, content data 1207, a network adapter1208, system memory 1212, an Input/Output Interface 1210, a displayadapter 1209, a display device 1211, and a human machine interface 1202,can be contained within one or more remote computing devices 1214 a,b,cat physically separate locations, connected through buses of this form,in effect implementing a fully distributed system.

The computer 1201 typically comprises a variety of computer readablemedia. Exemplary readable media can be any available media that isaccessible by the computer 1201 and comprises, for example and not meantto be limiting, both volatile and non-volatile media, removable andnon-removable media. The system memory 1212 comprises computer readablemedia in the form of volatile memory, such as random access memory(RAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM). Thesystem memory 1212 typically contains data such as content data 1207and/or program modules such as operating system 1205 and content displaysoftware 1206 that are immediately accessible to and/or are presentlyoperated on by the processor 1203.

In another aspect, the computer 1201 can also comprise otherremovable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile computer storage media.By way of example, FIG. 12 illustrates a mass storage device 1204 whichcan provide non-volatile storage of computer code, computer readableinstructions, data structures, program modules, and other data for thecomputer 1201. For example and not meant to be limiting, a mass storagedevice 1204 can be a hard disk, a removable magnetic disk, a removableoptical disk, magnetic cassettes or other magnetic storage devices,flash memory cards, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or otheroptical storage, random access memories (RAM), read only memories (ROM),electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and thelike.

Optionally, any number of program modules can be stored on the massstorage device 1204, including by way of example, an operating system1205 and content display software 1206. Each of the operating system1205 and content display software 1206 (or some combination thereof) cancomprise elements of the programming and the content display software1206. Content data 1207 can also be stored on the mass storage device1204. Content data 1207 can be stored in any of one or more databasesknown in the art. Examples of such databases comprise, DB2®, Microsoft®Access, Microsoft® SQL Server, Oracle®, mySQL, PostgreSQL, and the like.The databases can be centralized or distributed across multiple systems.

In another aspect, the user can enter commands and information into thecomputer 1201 via an input device (not shown). Examples of such inputdevices comprise, but are not limited to, a keyboard, pointing device(e.g., a “mouse”), a microphone, a joystick, a scanner, tactile inputdevices such as gloves, and other body coverings, and the like. Theseand other input devices can be connected to the processor 1203 via ahuman machine interface 1202 that is coupled to the system bus 1213, butcan be connected by other interface and bus structures, such as aparallel port, game port, an IEEE 1394 Port (also known as a Firewireport), a serial port, or a universal serial bus (USB).

In yet another aspect, a display device 1211 can also be connected tothe system bus 1213 via an interface, such as a display adapter 1209. Itis contemplated that the computer 1201 can have more than one displayadapter 1209 and the computer 1201 can have more than one display device1211. For example, a display device can be a monitor, an LCD (LiquidCrystal Display), or a projector. In addition to the display device1211, other output peripheral devices can comprise components such asspeakers (not shown) and a printer (not shown) which can be connected tothe computer 1201 via Input/Output Interface 1210. Any step and/orresult of the methods can be output in any form to an output device.Such output can be any form of visual representation, including, but notlimited to, textual, graphical, animation, audio, tactile, and the like.The display 1211 and computer 1201 can be part of one device, orseparate devices.

The computer 1201 can operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections to one or more remote computing devices 1214 a,b,c. By wayof example, a remote computing device can be a personal computer,portable computer, smartphone, a server, a router, a network computer, apeer device or other common network node, and so on. Logical connectionsbetween the computer 1201 and a remote computing device 1214 a,b,c canbe made via a network 1215, such as a local area network (LAN) and/or ageneral wide area network (WAN). Such network connections can be througha network adapter 1208. A network adapter 1208 can be implemented inboth wired and wireless environments. Such networking environments areconventional and commonplace in dwellings, offices, enterprise-widecomputer networks, intranets, and the Internet.

For purposes of illustration, application programs and other executableprogram components such as the operating system 1205 are illustratedherein as discrete blocks, although it is recognized that such programsand components reside at various times in different storage componentsof the computing device 1201, and are executed by the data processor(s)of the computer. An implementation of content display software 1206 canbe stored on or transmitted across some form of computer readable media.Any of the disclosed methods can be performed by computer readableinstructions embodied on computer readable media. Computer readablemedia can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. Byway of example and not meant to be limiting, computer readable media cancomprise “computer storage media” and “communications media.” “Computerstorage media” comprise volatile and non-volatile, removable andnon-removable media implemented in any methods or technology for storageof information such as computer readable instructions, data structures,program modules, or other data. Exemplary computer storage mediacomprises, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory orother memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or otheroptical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic diskstorage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which canbe used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by acomputer.

The methods and systems can employ Artificial Intelligence techniquessuch as machine learning and iterative learning. Examples of suchtechniques include, but are not limited to, expert systems, case basedreasoning, Bayesian networks, behavior based AI, neural networks, fuzzysystems, evolutionary computation (e.g. genetic algorithms), swarmintelligence (e.g. ant algorithms), and hybrid intelligent systems (e.g.Expert inference rules generated through a neural network or productionrules from statistical learning).

While the methods and systems have been described in connection withpreferred embodiments and specific examples, it is not intended that thescope be limited to the particular embodiments set forth, as theembodiments herein are intended in all respects to be illustrativerather than restrictive.

Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that anymethod set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps beperformed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim doesnot actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is nototherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that thesteps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intendedthat an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possiblenon-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic withrespect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaningderived from grammatical organization or punctuation; the number or typeof embodiments described in the specification.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made without departing from thescope or spirit. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled inthe art from consideration of the specification and practice disclosedherein. It is intended that the specification and examples be consideredas exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit being indicated by thefollowing claims.

1. An apparatus comprising: one or more processors; and memory storing processor-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus to: determine a first viewing location associated with a first user and a second viewing location associated with a second user; position, based on the first viewing location, a first set of adjustable pixels such that a first content displayed via the first set of adjustable pixels is viewable at the first viewing location; and position, based on the second viewing location, a second set of adjustable pixels such that a second content displayed via the second set of adjustable pixels is viewable at the second viewing location, wherein the second content is different from the first content.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor-executable instructions further cause the apparatus to position a third set of adjustable pixels such that a third content displayed via the third set of adjustable pixels is viewable at a third viewing location, wherein the third content is different from the first content and the second content.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor-executable instructions that cause the apparatus to determine the first viewing location further cause the apparatus to one or more of track a location of the first user via a motion sensor, or perform facial recognition, wherein the processor-executable instructions that cause the apparatus to determine the second viewing location further cause the apparatus to one or more of track a location of the second user via the motion sensor, or perform facial recognition, and wherein at least a portion of the first viewing location and at least a portion of the second viewing location are exclusive of each other.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of: the first set of adjustable pixels comprises a first set of columns of adjustable pixels; the second set of adjustable pixels comprises a second set of columns of adjustable pixels; columns of adjustable pixels alternate between a column from the first set of columns of adjustable pixels and a column from the second set of columns of adjustable pixels; each of the first set of columns of adjustable pixels are positioned at a same angle relative to a front display; or at least one of the first set of columns of adjustable pixels is positioned at the angle relative to the front display that is different from an angle of at least one other of the first set of columns of adjustable pixels relative to the front display.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first set of adjustable pixels comprises a first set of rows of adjustable pixels, wherein the second set of adjustable pixels comprises a second set of rows of adjustable pixels, and wherein rows of adjustable pixels alternate between a row from the first set of rows of adjustable pixels and a row from the second set of rows of adjustable pixels.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein audio associated with the first content is related to audio associated with the second content.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor-executable instructions that cause the apparatus to position the first set of adjustable pixels and position the second set of adjustable pixels further cause the apparatus to: configure a mechanical angle of one or more adjustable pixels of the first set of adjustable pixels based on the first viewing location; and configure a mechanical angle of one or more adjustable pixels of the second set of adjustable pixels based on the second viewing location.
 8. An apparatus comprising: one or more processors; and memory storing processor-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus to: determine a first viewing location associated with a first user and a second viewing location associated with a second user; receive a first content item, wherein the first content item is displayed on a first set of adjustable pixels of a user device such that the first content item displayed on the first set of adjustable pixels is viewable at the first viewing location; and receive a second content item, wherein the second content item is displayed on a second set of adjustable pixels of the user device such that the second content item displayed on the second set of adjustable pixels is viewable at the second viewing location.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the processor-executable instructions that cause the apparatus to determine the first viewing location further cause the apparatus to one or more of track a location of the first user via a motion sensor or perform facial recognition, wherein the processor-executable instructions that cause the apparatus to determine the second viewing location further cause the apparatus to one or more of track a location of the second user via the motion sensor or perform facial recognition, and wherein the processor-executable instructions further cause the apparatus to: receive a third content item, wherein the third content item is displayed on a third set of adjustable pixels of the user device such that the third content item displayed on the third set of adjustable pixels is viewable in a third viewing location, wherein the third viewing location is different from the first viewing location and the second viewing location.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein at least a portion of each of the first viewing location, the second viewing location, and the third viewing location are exclusive of each other.
 11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein at least one of: the first set of adjustable pixels comprises a first set of columns of adjustable pixels; the second set of adjustable pixels comprises a second set of columns of adjustable pixels; columns of adjustable pixels of the user device alternate between a column from the first set of columns of adjustable pixels and a column from the second set of columns of adjustable pixels; each of the first set of columns of adjustable pixels are positioned at a same angle relative to a front display of the user device; or at least one of the first set of columns of adjustable pixels is positioned at the angle relative to the front display of the user device that is different from an angle of at least one other of the first set of columns of adjustable pixels relative to the front display of the user device.
 12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first set of adjustable pixels comprises a first set of rows of adjustable pixels, wherein the second set of adjustable pixels comprises a second set of rows of adjustable pixels, and wherein rows of adjustable pixels of the user device alternate between a row from the first set of rows of adjustable pixels and a row from the second set of rows of adjustable pixels.
 13. An apparatus comprising: one or more processors; and memory storing processor-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus to: determine a location of a first user and a second user; and position a set of adjustable pixels such that an angle of the set of adjustable pixels changes relative to a plane parallel to a front display, wherein the location of the first user is within a viewing area of the set of adjustable pixels.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the processor-executable instructions that cause the apparatus to determine the location of the first user further cause the apparatus to: determine a left side of the first user; and determine a right side of the first user.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the processor-executable instructions that cause the apparatus to position the set of adjustable pixels further cause the apparatus to: position a first portion of the set of adjustable pixels to direct light to the left side of the first user; and position a second portion of the set of adjustable pixels to direct light to the right side of the first user.
 16. One or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media comprising processor-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: determine a first viewing location associated with a first user and a second viewing location associated with a second user; cause, based on the first viewing location, a first set of adjustable pixels of a user device to be positioned such that a first content displayed via the first set of adjustable pixels is viewable at the first viewing location; and cause, based on the second viewing location, a second set of adjustable pixels of the user device to be positioned such that a second content displayed via the second set of adjustable pixels is viewable at the second viewing location, wherein the second content is different from the first content.
 17. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media of claim 16, wherein the processor-executable instructions further cause the one or more processors to cause a third set of adjustable pixels of the user device to be positioned such that a third content displayed via the third set of adjustable pixels is viewable at a third viewing location, wherein the third content is different from the first content and the second content.
 18. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media of claim 16, wherein the processor-executable instructions that cause the one or more processors to determine the first viewing location further cause the one or more processors to one or more of track a location of the first user via a motion sensor, or perform facial recognition, wherein the processor-executable instructions that cause the one or more processors to determine the second viewing location further cause the one or more processors to one or more of track a location of the second user via the motion sensor, or perform facial recognition, and wherein at least a portion of the first viewing location and at least a portion of the second viewing location are exclusive of each other.
 19. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media of claim 16, wherein at least one of: the first set of adjustable pixels comprises a first set of columns of adjustable pixels; the second set of adjustable pixels comprises a second set of columns of adjustable pixels; columns of adjustable pixels of the user device alternate between a column from the first set of columns of adjustable pixels and a column from the second set of columns of adjustable pixels; each of the first set of columns of adjustable pixels are positioned at a same angle relative to a front display; or at least one of the first set of columns of adjustable pixels is positioned at the angle relative to the front display that is different from an angle of at least one other of the first set of columns of adjustable pixels relative to the front display.
 20. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media of claim 16, wherein the first set of adjustable pixels comprises a first set of rows of adjustable pixels, wherein the second set of adjustable pixels comprises a second set of rows of adjustable pixels, and wherein rows of adjustable pixels alternate between a row from the first set of rows of adjustable pixels and a row from the second set of rows of adjustable pixels.
 21. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media of claim 16, wherein audio associated with the first content is related to audio associated with the second content.
 22. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media of claim 16, wherein the processor-executable instructions that cause the one or more processors to cause the first set of adjustable pixels to be positioned and cause the second set of adjustable pixels to be positioned further cause the one or more processors to: cause a mechanical angle of one or more adjustable pixels of the first set of adjustable pixels to be configured based on the first viewing location; and cause a mechanical angle of one or more adjustable pixels of the second set of adjustable pixels to be configured based on the second viewing location.
 23. One or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media comprising processor-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: determine a first viewing location associated with a first user and a second viewing location associated with a second user; receive a first content item, wherein the first content item is displayed on a first set of adjustable pixels of a user device such that the first content item displayed on the first set of adjustable pixels is viewable at the first viewing location; and receive a second content item, wherein the second content item is displayed on a second set of adjustable pixels of the user device such that the second content item displayed on the second set of adjustable pixels is viewable at the second viewing location.
 24. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media of claim 23, wherein the processor-executable instructions that cause the one or more processors to determine the first viewing location further cause the one or more processors to one or more of track a location of the first user via a motion sensor or perform facial recognition, wherein the processor-executable instructions that cause the one or more processors to determine the second viewing location further cause the one or more processors to one or more of track a location of the second user via the motion sensor or perform facial recognition, and wherein the processor-executable instructions further cause the one or more processors to: receive a third content item, wherein the third content item is displayed on a third set of adjustable pixels of the user device such that the third content item displayed on the third set of adjustable pixels is viewable in a third viewing location, wherein the third viewing location is different from the first viewing location and the second viewing location.
 25. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media of claim 24, wherein at least a portion of each of the first viewing location, the second viewing location, and the third viewing location are exclusive of each other.
 26. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media of claim 23, wherein at least one of: the first set of adjustable pixels comprises a first set of columns of adjustable pixels; the second set of adjustable pixels comprises a second set of columns of adjustable pixels; columns of adjustable pixels of the user device alternate between a column from the first set of columns of adjustable pixels and a column from the second set of columns of adjustable pixels; each of the first set of columns of adjustable pixels are positioned at a same angle relative to a front display of the user device; or at least one of the first set of columns of adjustable pixels is positioned at the angle relative to the front display of the user device that is different from an angle of at least one other of the first set of columns of adjustable pixels relative to the front display of the user device.
 27. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media of claim 23, wherein the first set of adjustable pixels comprises a first set of rows of adjustable pixels, wherein the second set of adjustable pixels comprises a second set of rows of adjustable pixels, and wherein rows of adjustable pixels of the user device alternate between a row from the first set of rows of adjustable pixels and a row from the second set of rows of adjustable pixels.
 28. One or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media comprising processor-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: determine a location of a first user and a second user; and cause a set of adjustable pixels of a user device to be positioned such that an angle of the set of adjustable pixels changes relative to a plane parallel to a front display of the user device, wherein the location of the first user is within a viewing area of the set of adjustable pixels.
 29. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media of claim 28, wherein the processor-executable instructions that cause the one or more processors to determine the location of the first user further cause the one or more processors to: determine a left side of the first user; and determine a right side of the first user.
 30. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media of claim 29, wherein the processor-executable instructions that cause the one or more processors to cause the set of adjustable pixels of the user device to be positioned further cause the one or more processors to: cause a first portion of the set of adjustable pixels to be positioned such that light is directed to the left side of the first user; and cause a second portion of the set of adjustable pixels to be positioned such that light is directed to the right side of the first user. 